Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday announced up to $38 million is available to local governments to help Kentuckians with overdue utility bills in their jurisdiction. Each unit of local government may request up to $200,000 for assistance in their communities.
“Even with our victory over COVID-19 coming into sight, times are still tough for our families,” Beshear said. “We are grateful to be able to provide these funds, because they will ensure many Kentuckians won’t have to make the impossible choice between feeding their family and keeping the lights on.”
The Department for Local Government (DLG) will administer the funding from the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response (CDBG-CV) program established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“We want to get this assistance out the door as quickly as possible, because protecting Kentuckians is our number one priority,” said DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene. “We encourage local governments to submit applications as quickly as possible.”
To apply, local governments must submit an application to DLG. If approved, local governments must then partner with a community action agency to assist with funding administration. To simplify the process and fulfill that need, DLG has partnered with Kentucky’s 15 Area Development Districts (ADD) to assist units of local government, local nonprofit community service providers and eligible Kentuckians with their applications and administering funds.
Households are eligible for up to $250 per month for six consecutive months if:
- They live in a city or county approved for funding;
- Have been financially impacted by COVID-19;
- Are struggling to pay water, sewer, electric, gas or other heating and cooling bills; and
- Have received notice for disconnect between January 21, 2020, and present day and/or up to two months following.
Once a household’s application is approved, the local nonprofit community service provider will transfer funds directly to a utility provider on their behalf.
Local governments can apply for CDBG-CV funds now by completing the application on DLG’s website.
Kentuckians should contact their local government or ADD for more information on CDBG-CV funds in their area.
